anecdotal evidence

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anecdotal evidence

Evidence based on the occurrence of single unique event (e.g., a case report of an unusual medical finding or response to a therapy).

Anecdotes are extremely weak support of a theory; even if the event itself has been verified, its occurrence may be inappropriately attributed to an unusual therapy, and other unrecognised factors (confounders) may have invalidated the initial prediction of demise. Multiple similar anecdotes do not significantly increase support and at best serve justify a scientific experiment to empirically test the theory.

anecdotal evidence

Evidence based on anecdotes arising from the analysis of individual clinical cases, rather than the study of scientifically randomized groups of patients. Such evidence may be true or false, but it is always unreliable because it is based on hearsay, faulty reasoning, or other cause.

anecdotal evidence,

n information obtained from personal accounts, examples, and observations. Usually not considered scientifically valid but may indicate areas for further investigation and research.

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References in periodicals archive ?

In the short term, anecdotal evidence suggests that a decline in sales rates will continue for at least the next year for those companies depending on the pre-existing business relationship exemption.

Tackling call blockers: a decline in sales rates traced to the new Do Not Call law is expected to continue for at least a year for companies depending on the pre-existing business relationship exemption

statistical or anecdotal evidence of discrimination sufficient to

Hanging by yarns? Deficiencies in anecdotal evidence threaten the survival of race-based preference programs for public contracting

Anecdotal evidence indicates swings of several hundred percent in premiums quoted by the same company for the same coverage.

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Anecdotal evidence indicates suppliers' share is still increasing.

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But despite years of anecdotal evidence, no formal research has validated the deep spiritual energy and lessons that characterize the value of a camp experience.

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There is also serious question, based on anecdotal evidence, about the efficacy of education in improving overall income for socioeconomic groups rather than selected individuals within these groups.

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HOEPA was enacted in response to anecdotal evidence of predatory lending practices in the home equity lending market.

Final amendment to Regulation Z regarding HOEPA and predatory lending. (Announcements)

Only anecdotal evidence is offered, though, and the relations between martial arts and daily life do not receive systematic analysis.

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And more than a few existing administrators, according to anecdotal evidence, are seeking alternative employment.

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After all, there are almost 20,000 of them, and even anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that there are apples, oranges, kumquats, and perhaps lemons among them.

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Interestingly, there was no significant relationship between virus introduction and any behavior by full-time employees, although anecdotal evidence suggests that employees have placed viruses in computer systems for a number of reasons.

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It also compiled anecdotal evidence from public hearings, telephone and personal interviews and mailed surveys of a cross section of the city's business community.